Marble vs Granite vs Quartz UAE: Which Surface Is Right for You?
- Plus One Stone Consultancy
- Nov 27, 2025
- 2 min read

Choosing between marble, granite, and quartz for countertops and surfaces can feel tricky. Each material has its own vibe, pros, and trade-offs—especially when you’re planning around life in the UAE.
Marble: elegance with a caveat
Why people love it: Marble’s veins and luminous surface exude luxury and timeless beauty.
What to know: It’s softer and more prone to scratches and etches from acidic items (think lemon juice, tomato sauce, wine). It also needs regular sealing.
In a kitchen: If you cook a lot with acidic ingredients, be prepared for some patina over time and more careful cleaning to keep it looking pristine.
Maintenance: Plan for sealing and routine care. Wipe up spills quickly to minimize damage.
Granite: durable and natural
Why people love it: Granite is tough, with strong resistance to scratching and good heat tolerance.
What to know: It’s a natural stone with a bold, varied look, but it usually features more speckled patterns and less dramatic veining than marble. It also needs periodic sealing.
In a kitchen: It handles daily use, hot pans, and heavy wear well.
Maintenance: Seal periodically and enjoy a durable, lower-maintenance surface compared with marble.
Quartz: engineered consistency and low maintenance
Why people love it: Quartz is engineered to be uniform in color and pattern, with non-porous surfaces that resist staining.
What to know: It won’t give you the same natural stone character as marble or granite. It also isn’t as heat tolerant as granite.
In a kitchen: Great for busy homes, families, and those who want a low-maintenance option that still looks premium.
Maintenance: No sealing required; simple cleaning is usually enough.
Cost snapshot (Dubai/UAE)
Marble: Often on the higher end, with price varying by variety.
Granite and quartz: Usually similar in price for basic options, though exotic stones or premium brands can shift the numbers up.
A stone expert in Dubai can help you compare options that fit your budget and style.
Aesthetic and lifestyle considerations
If you crave natural stone drama with unique veining and don’t mind the maintenance, marble is stunning.
If you want enduring performance and a classic, grounded look, granite is a reliable choice.
If you prioritize consistency, easy maintenance, and lower upkeep, quartz is a practical favorite.
In a hot climate like the UAE, interior climate control matters more than exterior climate for performance. All three materials work well indoors; exterior installations can face more temperature-related challenges.
Bottom line
Choose marble for elegance and character, understanding it requires more care.
Choose granite for durability and a natural look with less maintenance than marble.
Choose quartz for a low-maintenance, consistent appearance with excellent stain resistance—note the heat caveat.
Get in touch with our stone expert in Dubai or the UAE to compare options, confirm sealing needs, and align choices with your budget and lifestyle.




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